The Arkansas Comprehensive Testing, Assessment and Accountability Program (ACTAAP) requires that alternate assessments be used for eligible Limited English Proficient (LEP) students not able to participate in the regular Benchmark assessment and for eligible students with disabilities for whom the Alternate Portfolio Assessment is appropriate under an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that an alternate assessment system for eligible Special Education students be in place for the 2003-2004 school year. All schools with eligible Special Education and eligible Limited English Proficient students at grades 4, 6, 8 and 11 shall participate in the Alternate Portfolio Assessment this school year. Also being implemented this school year is an alternate assessment for the End of Course Algebra and Geometry for LEP students, and an alternate assessment in mathematics at 9th grade for special education students, as required by NCLB.
The training for implementation of the Alternate Portfolio Assessment System will be October 24, 2003, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for testing coordinators and/or teachers of Special Education students and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for teachers and/or testing coordinators and/or ESL coordinators of LEP students. The compressed videoconferences will be broadcast at each of the sites listed on the attachment. Districts are required to send a representative to receive updated information for the current school year.
Participants need to BRING the Administration Manual received by each applicable school to the videoconference. Manuals may also be downloaded from the ADE website by clicking on the ACTAAP logo, then click Student Assessment from the menu on the left. Scroll down the page until you find the link for the Alternate Assessment Manual for LEP or for IEP.
Submit a registration form for each session (Special Education and LEP) for the district representative(s) attending each training session. Return the completed registration forms (attached) no later than October 20, 2003, to:
Charlotte Marvel
#4 State Capitol Mall, Room 105-A
Little Rock, AR 72201-1071
Fax: 501-682-4886 or by e-mail to cmarvel@arkedu.k12.ar.us